Claim to fame: Avoca is the hometown of John Jess, who played 223 games for Richmond, including the 1980 premiership.

Five fast facts

1. The Avoca River, which flows through the town, was named by Major Thomas Mitchell after Vale of Avoca in County Wicklow, Ireland.

2. The first major gold strike near Avoca came in 1853. By the beginning of December 1853 the population had increased from 100 to 2200 and by June the following year it had swelled to 16,000

3. Avoca boasts the oldest operating chemist shop in Victoria and the oldest continuously operating butcher shop in Australia. Both were established in 1854.

4. The French cognac house Remy Martin established the first of the modern Pyrenees vineyards at Avoca in the early 1960s, naming it Chateau Remy. It is now one of Victoria’s most recognised wineries, Blue Pyrenees Estate, renowned for it’s full bodied red wine and sparkling wine.

5. A major bushfire burned 58,000 hectares of land around Avoca and Maryborough in January, 1985. Three people died and 180 houses were destroyed. 500 farms and 46,000 stock were also lost.

Five things to do

1. Experience true country racing. Avoca Turf Club has a fairly impressive backdrop in the Pyrenees mountain ranges and hosts three major race meetings each year, on Anzac Day, Caulfield Cup day and on the first Saturday in December.

2. Try petanque. The French game of petanque has become a hit in Avoca and anumber of competitions are held each year.

3. Go on a winery tour. There are more than 20 vineyards in the Pyrenees area and a number of tour operators who will help you sample their wares. The Pyrenees climate is said to be very similar to the celebrated French wine making region of Bordeaux.

4. Get outdoors. Avoca provides a great base for exploring the Pyrenees, either on foot, horseback or by mountain bike.

5. Explore Avoca’s history. Discover the town’s rich history on the Avoca Heritage Trail. A guide to the region’s historic landmarks is available at the visitor information centre.